Introduction
Before we dive into finding EIN for your organization, let’s explain why EIN is so important and what it is used for. EIN is essential for tax filing, opening bank accounts, hiring employees, obtaining business licenses, and applying for loans. EIN is unique to each business and serves as a legal identifier for the IRS. In other words, EIN is like a social security number for your business.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to find EIN online. We will cover various methods to find EIN, step-by-step instructions on how to locate EIN for different types of organizations, tips for locating EIN for small businesses and non-profit organizations, and best practices to find EIN efficiently.
A Comprehensive Guide for Finding EIN Online
There are various methods to find EIN for your organization, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some methods you can use:
IRS Website
The easiest and most obvious way to find EIN is to visit the IRS website. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov)
- Click on “Businesses” in the top menu and select “Employer ID Numbers.”
- Choose the type of organization and follow the instructions.
Once you submit the necessary information, the IRS will provide you with the EIN for your organization. Additionally, if you prefer to apply for an EIN by mail, you can download Form SS-4 from the IRS website and send it to the appropriate address.
Corporate Filings
If your organization is a corporation, you can find EIN by searching corporate filings in the state where your organization is registered. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the Secretary of State’s website of the state where your organization is registered.
- Search for your organization by name or filing number.
- Locate the corporate filing documents, which often contain EIN.
Most corporate filings are available to the public and can be found easily online. However, some states charge a fee to view them.
Third-Party Websites
There are several third-party websites, such as Dun & Bradstreet and Hoover’s, that collect and sell business information, including EIN. Here’s how you can use them:
- Visit the third-party websites and search for your organization by name or address.
- If the EIN is available, the website will provide it for you, often for a fee.
However, not all businesses are listed in third-party databases, and some may require a subscription to access their information. Additionally, the information may not be up to date and accurate.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Find EIN of Any Organization
Now that we have covered the different methods to find EIN let’s dive into each type of organization and how to find their EIN.
Corporations
If your organization is a corporation, you can find EIN by following these steps:
- Visit the Secretary of State’s website of the state where your organization is registered.
- Search for your corporation by name or filing number
- Locate the corporate filings and documents
- The EIN is often located on the first page of the corporate documents.
Sole Proprietors
If you are a sole proprietor, your EIN is your Social Security number. Therefore, you do not need a separate EIN for your business.
Partnerships
If your organization is a partnership, you can find EIN by following these steps:
- Visit the IRS website
- Click on “Businesses” in the top menu and select “Employer ID Numbers.”
- Choose the type of organization and follow the instructions
Non-Profit Organizations
If your organization is a non-profit, you can find EIN by following these steps:
- Visit the IRS website
- Click on “Charities & Nonprofits” in the top menu and select “Search for Charities.”
- Enter your organization’s name or EIN and click “Search”
- Review the organization’s information, including EIN
Tips for Locating EIN of Small Businesses or Non-profit Organizations
It can be challenging to find EIN for small businesses or non-profit organizations. However, there are several methods you can use to make the process easier.
Contact the Organization
If you cannot find the EIN for a small business or non-profit organization, the easiest solution is to contact the organization and ask for it. The organization’s representative will be able to provide you with the EIN.
Check Bank or Loan Documents
If the organization has taken out a loan or has a bank account, the bank or lender may have the organization’s EIN on file.
Check Tax Documents
If the organization has filed a tax return before, you may be able to find the EIN on the return.
Use Online Databases
There are several online databases, such as EIN Finder and EIN Lookup, that allow you to search for EIN of small businesses and non-profit organizations.
How to Use IRS Resources to Find EIN for Tax Purposes
If you need to find EIN for tax purposes, you can use various IRS resources.
EIN Assistant
The EIN Assistant tool on the IRS website guides you through the process of applying for EIN for your organization.
Form SS-4
You can download Form SS-4 from the IRS website and fill out the form to obtain an EIN for your organization. You can submit the form online or by mail.
Hidden Search Features to Find EIN on Third-Party Websites
Google and other search engines have hidden search features that allow you to find EIN on third-party websites.
Google Search
Use the site search operator in Google (site:website.com) to search for EIN on a specific website. For example, if you want to find EIN on the Dun & Bradstreet website, you can type “EIN site:dandb.com” into the search bar.
Dun & Bradstreet Search
Use Dun & Bradstreet’s free search tool to find EIN of a specific organization.
Saving Time and Hassle: Best Practices for Finding EIN Quickly and Easily
To save time and streamline your EIN search process, here are some best practices:
- Gather all the necessary information for your organization before starting your search
- If you cannot find EIN for an organization, contact the representative or search for alternative databases
- Use IRS resources to apply for EIN if you cannot find it through other methods
- Keep a record of the EIN numbers for all your organizations for easy retrieval.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EIN is a crucial part of any organization. It is essential to have an accurate and up-to-date EIN for tax filing, banking, and other legal purposes. We have provided a comprehensive guide on how to find EIN efficiently for different types of organizations, including corporations, sole proprietors, partnerships, and non-profit organizations. We hope that this guide has been useful and informative. For additional resources, consult the IRS website or contact a tax professional.